SPCA of Texas Assists in Warrant Service Resulting in Animal Removal

The animals are currently under the care of the SPCA of Texas, where they are being evaluated, treated and cared for. As appropriate, the dogs will be evaluated for adoption or placement on a case-by-case basis.

Preliminary findings suggest that some of the dogs may have been involved in dog fighting. The chickens are believed to be connected to a cockfighting investigation initiated earlier this year.

The dogs and roosters were found in individual pens throughout the property. Most areas were thick with mud and some areas contained standing water due to recent rain. Some dogs were chained out in the open without access to shelter while others had access to barrels, tarps and wooden and metal roofing. Many of the roosters were held in wire cages with metal coverings, some inside a makeshift barn, and most only had access to contaminated water.

Medications, a scale, several blood-splattered treadmills, used break sticks and caches of paraphernalia, including slashers and gaffs, were also found on the property. Empty rooster transport boxes were also found.

Most of the dogs are underweight and some have injuries consistent with dog fighting. Additionally, most of the dogs were unlawfully restrained with weighted collars and heavy chains. Some did not have access to water.

View and download photos from the scene.

Cockfighting is a crime in all 50 states, including Texas, where it is a felony to cause birds to fight with one another and/or to use property for the purpose of cockfighting or dog fighting, punishable by up to two years in a state jail and/or up to a $10,000 fine. In Texas, it is a Class A misdemeanor to possess, manufacture or sell cockfighting or dog fighting paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor to own or train a rooster or a dog with the intent to fight and a Class C misdemeanor to be a spectator at a fight. Federal law also prohibits any interstate or foreign transport of fighting animals with violations potentially resulting in up to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000 per offense.

In Texas, the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, which took effect in January 2022, prohibits chaining dogs without adequate shelter in extreme conditions, including inclement weather and standing water, or denying them access to drinkable water. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $500 for a first offense, with repeat offenders facing up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

To help support the SPCA of Texas and its efforts to help abused, neglected and homeless animals and to support the SPCA of Texas’ other programs and services, please visit www.spca.org/helptheanimals.

About SPCA of Texas
Founded in 1938, the SPCA of Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization that operates two shelters, one spay/neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas and Ellis Counties, and maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruelty each year in North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other entity and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other national humane organization. SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit spca.org.

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